Bringing your Family & Friends to Canada

For spousal applications, you must include documentation that a genuine relationship exists. 

IRCC defines spouse as, "A legal marriage partner. This term includes both opposite- and same-sex relationships but does not include common-law partnerships." 

IRCC defines common-law partner as, "A person who has been living with another person in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. The term refers to opposite-sex and same-sex relationships."

• If your spouse/common-law partner is planning on coming to Canada as a visitor:
  • Citizens of some countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, while other will require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). See here to find out which entry document your family member(s) will need.   
     
• If your spouse/common-law partner is also planning on studying while they are in Canada, they will be required to apply for a study permit.
   
• If your spouse/common-law partner is planning on working while they are in Canada, they may be eligible to to apply for a work permit, often referred to as a "Spousal Open Work Permit" (SOWP).
  • IRCC states that spouses/partners of study permit holders applying after April 30, 2024, are only eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit if the student is enrolled in an eligible degree-granting programs. 
  • If they’re not eligible for this open work permit, they may be able to get another type of work permit.

Note: If your family members apply for a study permit or work permit from outside of Canada, a TRV or eTA is provided automatically.

IRCC defines dependent child as, "A child who is under the maximum age and is not married or in a common law relationship." Generally, to qualify as dependents, children must:

• be under 22 years old
• not have a spouse or common-law partner

Note: Each province decides the age when a person becomes an adult. The age of majority in Alberta is 18 years old. Use IRCC's online tool to check if your child qualifies as a dependent. 

• Dependent children who are not school-aged (under 6 years old) can apply to come to Canada as a Visitor, as long as their parent has a valid study permit. 
   
• Dependent children who are school-aged (over 6 years old) and plan on studying in primary or secondary school (grades K-12) in Canada, IRCC recommends they apply for a study permit.
  • Note: A Letter of Acceptance from a primary or secondary school is not required for minor children. 
     
• Dependent children who are attending post-secondary studies in Canada will be required to apply for a study permit.  
  • Note:  A Letter of Acceptance is required for children studying at the post-secondary level. 

Convocation is a traditional academic ceremony attended by graduating students and their family and friends. Graduates wear caps and gowns and receive their degrees, diplomas, or certificates. It is an event to recognize excellence and celebrate your academic achievements. 

If your friends/family are planning to come to Canada to celebrate your accomplishments and attend your convocation ceremony, they may apply to come to Canada as a visitor:

• Citizens of some countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, while other will require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). See here to find out which entry document your friends/family member(s) will need.   

If your friends/family members are applying separately from you, they will need to submit an application online either through the IRCC Secure Account or the IRCC Portal and will need to include supporting documents from the person inviting them to Canada, as this is a vital component of their application.  

Supporting documents for your friend/family member's application may include:

• Copy of your study/work permit

• Copy of marriage certificate/proof of relationship (if applying for your spouse/common-law partner)

• Copy of your passport

• Letter of Invitation: Written by you and included in your family/friend's application to IRCC. The International Centre does not write letters of invitation on your behalf.

  • Your letter should be clear, concise, honest and accurate. Visit the IRCC page for the specific requirements of this letter or see our sample letter below.  

  • Note: Some visa offices require Letters of Invitation to be notarized by a notary public. 

• Depending on your situation, you will need to request one of the following letters: 

  • Verification of Enrolment Letter for immigration purposes (from the Registrar's Office)

    • If you are a current student who is continuing their studies at uLethbridge and want your friend/family to visit while you are studying.

  • Graduation Invitation Letter (from the International Centre) 

    • If you will be graduating soon and wish to invite friends/family members to attend the ceremony, we will issue a supporting document confirming your anticipated convocation date. This document should be used in addition to your letter of invitation, not in place of it. 

  • PGWP completion letter – (from the International Centre)

    • If you have recently completed your studies and are planning to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

• Proof of Finances: If you are supporting your friends/family financially while they will be in Canada, you must provide proof of your finances in their application to IRCC. 

  • On January 1, 2024, IRCC updated their financial requirements. We recommend that you review that information to ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your friends/family.

(Address of Processing Embassy)

Dear Visa Officer,

RE: Letter of Invitation in Support of TRV Application of Damilola Awosoga

I am writing this letter of invitation in support of my sister, Damilola Awosoga, and her application for a temporary resident visa to Canada. She was born on December 14, 1986 and she lives at 10 Bode Thomas Street, Lagos, Nigeria. Her phone number is: +234 692-5643

I am currently a 3^rd year student at the University of Lethbridge in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. You can see my Confirmation of Enrolment letter attached. My date of birth is January 15, 1989 and I currently reside at 27 Berkeley Place West, Lethbridge, Alberta. My phone number is 403-587-2697 and I can also be reached at joseph.awosoga@uleth.ca.

My sister will be visiting me from September 15, 2025 (arrival date), to October 1, 2025 (departure date) to celebrate my recent engagement. She will be staying with me and I will be covering the cost of her room and board during that time. Damilola will be paying for her flight and ground transportation to Lethbridge.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding my sister, Damilola Awosoga, or myself. I thank you for considering my sister’s application.

Sincerely,

Joseph Awosoga